The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today held a strong protest in village Babanpur of the Dhuri constituency against the visit of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. A large number of party leaders, workers, farmers, and local residents participated in the demonstration and raised slogans against what they termed the BJP government's anti-Punjab policies.
Leading the protest, Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation Chairman Dalvir Singh Dhillon said that the BJP has consistently worked against the interests of Punjab. He stated that from opposing the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab to attempting to weaken Punjab’s rights over its river waters through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), and repeatedly adopting an anti-Punjab stance on the SYL issue, the BJP’s actions have repeatedly harmed the state's interests.
Dhillon further said that the people of Punjab have not forgotten the sacrifices made during the farmers’ movement, in which hundreds of farmers lost their lives. He alleged that the policies of the Central Government continue to adversely affect Punjab’s farming community and that certain international trade arrangements could further weaken the agricultural sector.
He said the protest was organized to safeguard Punjab’s rights and protect the future of its farmers. Addressing the gathering, Punjab Waqf Board member Dr. Anwar Bhasaur said that the BJP’s policies are anti-farmer and anti-people.
He alleged that the party seeks political gains by dividing people along religious lines. However, he expressed confidence that the people of Punjab would reject any attempt to spread division and discord in the state.
Zila Parishad Chairman Rachhpal Singh Bhullar said that Punjab is the land of Gurus, martyrs, and brave warriors, where politics based on hatred and division can never take root. He asserted that the BJP should abandon any misconception that it can build political support in Punjab by creating social divisions.
Referring to the recent local body elections, Bhullar said the results clearly indicate that the people of Punjab have rejected the BJP’s policies. He added that the public continues to support the Aam Aadmi Party government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and appreciates its welfare-oriented initiatives and governance model.
AAP leaders also stated that the voice for Punjab’s rights had once again resonated from the soil of Dhuri. They said that important questions concerning Punjab’s interests were raised during the Haryana Chief Minister’s visit to the state.
The leaders highlighted several issues, including attempts to stake claims over Punjab’s river waters, efforts to dilute Punjab’s rights in the BBMB, the continued delay in handing over Chandigarh to Punjab, the withholding of Rural Development Fund (RDF) and other financial dues, and concerns related to the treatment of farmers.
They said that the people of Punjab continue to seek answers on these issues, but the Central Government and the BJP have failed to adequately address them. They further stated that party leaders, workers, and supporters participated in the protest to strongly voice Punjab’s concerns and reaffirm their commitment to protecting the state's rights and interests.
The leaders categorically stated that there can be no compromise on Punjab’s rights under any circumstances. They called upon people across the state to remain united in safeguarding Punjab’s interests and resisting policies that undermine the state's constitutional and economic rights.
Among those present on the occasion were Zila Parishad Chairman Rachhpal Singh Bhullar, senior leader Satinder Singh Chattha, Block President Naresh Singla, Chairman Block Samiti Dhuri Ranjodh Singh, Zila Parishad Member Harjinder Singh Kanjhla, Gagan Jawandha, Amardeep Singh Dhandra, Advocate Happy Garg, Block Presidents Sukhpal Singh Pala, Milkh Raj and Surjit Singh, Halka Vice-Coordinator Harpreet Singh Gill, Municipal Councillor Rajiv Chowdhary, Manish Jindal, Councillor Jasvir Singh, and members of the Panchayat and local community of village Babanpur.